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James Buchanan by Jacob Eichholtz / American Art
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James Buchanan

1834 Jacob Eichholtz Born: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1776 Died: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1842 oil on canvas 36 1/8 x 28 1/4 in. (91.7 x 71.8 cm) Smithsonian American Art Museum Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston 1906.9.5 Smithsonian American Art Museum
3rd Floor, Luce Foundation Center



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James Buchanan



"He was, on the whole, a distinguished and handsome looking man, and his size and fine proportions gave a dignity and commanding air to his personal presence. His manner and bearing had much of the old-fashioned courtly school about it." James Buchanan Henry, quoted in The Works of James Buchanan, ed. John Bassett Moore, 1911, p. 330


James Buchanan served many roles before he was elected the fifteenth president of the United States. This portrait was painted after his term as minister to Russia, but he also acted as a representative, senator, and secretary of state. Jacob Eichholtz's painting accurately depicts Buchanan, who often wore black suits and large white cravats. The future president appears composed and confident, but his slightly uneven eyes give him an intimidating stare. The portrait was owned by Buchanan and then given to his niece, Harriet Lane Johnston, who served as his official hostess at the White House during his administration.

For more information about this work visit the Luce Foundation Center.


Keywords

Occupation - political - president

Portrait male - Buchanan, James - waist length

painting

paint - oil

fabric - canvas

About Jacob Eichholtz

Born: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1776 Died: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1842

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Jacob Eichholtz

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